The best kids movies on Netflix right now
This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, Digital Trends and Yahoo Inc. may earn a commission.
Summer is winding down, but you may still need to lean on our list of the best kids movies on Netflix right now for another few weeks. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with regular updates of Netflix’s extensive collection of kid-friendly movies.
This month is a bit slower than others, but we’ve still got a Dr. Seuss double dip that the kids will enjoy, as Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax join the platform.
We’ve also rounded up the best kids movies on Hulu, the best kids movies on Amazon Prime Video, and the best kids movies on Disney+ if you don’t find what you’re looking for on Netflix.
The Lorax (2012) [New]
Metacritic: 46%
Rated: PG
Duration: 86m
Genre: Animation, Family
Stars: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron
Directed by: Chris Renaud
A slight twist on the classic children’s book, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax follows 12-year-old Ted Wiggins (Zac Efron) as he ventures beyond his completely artificial world to capture a “real tree” to show to the girl of his dreams, Audrey (Taylor Swift). To do so, he must find the Once-ler (Ed Helms), who knows all about trees, but who also has information about an even more important fellow who knows all about the natural world: the Lorax (Danny DeVito).
The Cat in the Hat (2003) [New]
Metacritic: 19%
Rated: PG
Duration: 81m
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Stars: Mike Myers, Dakota Fanning, Spencer Breslin
Directed by: Bo Welch
This 2003 live action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved book is fairly polarizing, evidenced by its jaw-droppingly bad 19% critic score and respectable 6.0 user score on Metacritic. Really, it kind of comes down to how you feel about Mike Myers, who goes all out as the titular hat-donning feline. When Conrad (Spencer Breslin) and Sally’s (The Equalizer 3‘s Dakota Fanning) is out on a rainy day, they and their pet fish are visited by the mischievous Cat in the Hat. What soon seems like fun quickly devolves into mayhem as the Cat appears to have no off button.
Trolls Band Together (2023)
Metacritic: 53%
Rated: PG
Duration: 91m
Genre: Animation, Family, Music, Fantasy, Comedy
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Camila Cabello
Directed by: Walt Dohrn
The latest release in Dreamworks’ popular Trolls universe hit theaters in 2023. In Trolls Band Together, Branch (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) are finally a couple, but there’s little time for fun after Branch’s brother, Floyd (Troye Sivan), is kidnapped by pop-star villains for his musical talent. As the pair set out to save Floyd, Poppy learns more about Branch’s dark familial past.
PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021)
Metacritic: 50%
Rated: G
Duration: 86m
Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy
Stars: Iain Armitage, Lilly Bartlam, Will Brisbin
Directed by: Cal Brunker
The beloved children’s show hits the big screen as Ryder (Will Brisbin) and his team of heroic pups must rise to the challenge to take on Humdinger (Ron Pardo) after he becomes Mayor of Adventure City. The pups must face their pasts, make new allies, test out exciting new gadgets and gear, and join together to save Adventure City.
Big Fat Liar (2002)
Metacritic: 36%
IMDb: NaN/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 88m
Genre: Family, Comedy, Adventure
Stars: Frankie Muniz, Paul Giamatti, Amanda Bynes
Directed by: Shawn Levy
A classic for millennial parents, Big Fat Liar takes the kid versus adult conceit to new heights. When Jason Shepherd (Frankie Muniz) accidentally leaves his class paper in the car of sleazy Hollywood producer Marty Wolf (The Holdovers star Paul Giamatti), he soon recognizes his work in Wolf’s next blockbuster movie. The movie, called Big Fat Liar, has Jason’s fingerprints all over it, and now he must prove that Wolf stole his ideas.
Nimona (2023)
Metacritic: 75%
Rated: PG
Duration: 99m
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Family
Stars: Chlo? Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang
Directed by: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, this Netflix original stars Chlo? Grace Moretz as the voice of Nimona, a shape-shifting teen outcast. But when celebrity knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is framed for the murder of the Queen, Nimona is perhaps the only person who can help clear his name. Unfortunately, she is also perhaps a monster that he has sworn an oath to destroy.
Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)
Metacritic: 40%
Rated: PG
Duration: 89m
Genre: Family, Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Stars: Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Joe Manganiello
Directed by: Kelly Asbury
The most recent CGI foray into Smurfville, Smurfs: The Lost Village, follows Smurfette (Demi Lovato) and her friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty (Danny Pudi, Jack McBrayer, Joe Manganiello) on a thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest to discover a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel (The Office star Rainn Wilson) can. In that village lies the key to one of the greatest secrets the Smurfs will ever discover.
Orion and the Dark (2024)
Metacritic: 72%
Rated: PG
Duration: 93m
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy, Fantasy
Stars: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Angela Bassett
Directed by: Sean Charmatz
In this Netflix animated original, you’ll meet Orion (Jacob Tremblay), a seemingly typical elementary school kid. But this is merely a facade, as Orion is secretly a bundle of adolescent anxiety, filled with irrational fears of everything from bees and dogs to clowns and cliffs. But the thing he’s most afraid of is one he can’t avoid: the dark. So when Dark itself (Black Bird‘s Paul Walter Hauser) decides to visit Orion to show him that the night’s not so scary, Orion has to learn to accept the unknown and stop letting fear control his life.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
Metacritic: 50%
Rated: PG
Duration: 91m
Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Comedy
Stars: Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy
Directed by: Kirk DeMicco
Disney goes to the ocean with sweet, awkward Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a 16-year-old desperate to fit in at Oceanside High. She’s mostly anonymous, though, even to her skater-boy crush who she tutors in math. Her overprotective mom has forbidden Ruby from ever getting in the water, but as teenagers do, Ruby defies mom’s rule, entering the water, only to discover that she’s a direct descendant of the warrior Kraken queens and destined to inherit the throne from her grandmother, the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas. Suddenly aware of her destiny, Ruby must tap into her power quickly because a new threat to all Kraken-kind has just enrolled at Oceanside.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
Metacritic: 63%
Rated: PG
Duration: 97m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars: Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey
Directed by: Sam Fell
Netflix has brought Chicken Run back for a new generation! Years after pulling off their death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) are living in a peaceful island sanctuary, far from the human world. When little hatchling Molly (The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey) comes along, everything feels truly perfect. But back on the mainland, a terrible new threat emerges to chickenkind: the nugget. Now, it’s time to break in.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Metacritic: 46%
Rated: PG
Duration: 93m
Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Stars: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day
Directed by: Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath
A box-office smash this past summer, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is sure to be a hit at your home, too. Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) aren’t doing so hot. But when they see a chance to make it big by repairing the city’s water main, they jump at the opportunity… only to get sucked down a green pipe and separated as they get sucked into portal into another world. While Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Luigi is kidnapped by Bowser (Jack Black). Now, it’s up to Mario to discover the power within him to save his brother and the Mushroom Kingdom.
Leo (2023)
Rated: PG
Duration: 102m
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong
Directed by: Robert Smigel, Robert Marianetti, David Wachtenheim
Leo (Adam Sandler) is a 74-year-old lizard who has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium mate, Squirtle the Turtle (Bill Burr). Already jaded by life, when Leo learns he has just one year left to live, he plans a grand escape. Unfortunately, he gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students and their impossibly mean substitute teacher, Mrs. Malkin (Cecily Strong), instead.
Minions (2015)
Metacritic: 56%
Rated: PG
Duration: 91m
Genre: Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton
Directed by: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
Universal’s Despicable Me (which is also on Netflix, as is Minions: The Rise of Gru) spawned a bizarre spinoff out of the yellow, eraser-like assistants of supervillain Gru. In Minions, you learn their backstory, as they served despicable masters throughout the ages, from T. Rex to Napoleon. When Minions can’t serve, they are sad. So, Minion Kevin recruits Stuart and Bob to venture into the world to find a new evil boss. They stumble across Scarlet Overkill (Bullet Train‘s Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female supervillain.
Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023)
Metacritic: 55%
Rated: PG
Duration: 98m
Genre: Family, Comedy, Action, Adventure
Stars: Connor Esterson, Everly Carganilla, Zachary Levi
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
The Spy Kids universe gets a modern update in this Netflix Original. Robert Rodriguez brings in a new cast of super agents, including Terrence Tango (Shazam! Fury of the Gods‘ Zachary Levi) and Nora Torrez (Gina Rodriguez). But they find themselves needing the help of their children, Tony (Connor Esterson) and Patty (Everly Carganilla). After Terrence and Nora mistakenly help a game developer unleash a computer virus that makes him master of all technology, the kids must become spies to save their parents and the world.
The Monkey King (2023)
Metacritic: 59%
Rated: PG
Duration: 92m
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Comedy
Stars: Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport
Directed by: Anthony Stacchi
Based on an ancient Chinese tale, The Monkey King follows a stick-wielding monkey on an epic quest for immortality. Along the way, he teams up with a young girl and must battle demons, dragons, gods, and the biggest obstacle of all: his own ego.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)
Metacritic: 69%
Rated: PG
Duration: 89m
Genre: Action, Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Kevin Hart, Thomas Middleditch, Ed Helms
Directed by: David Soren
Based on the classic book series, this epic movie brings Captain Underpants to the big screen! George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch) are a couple of overly imaginative pranksters who go a bit too far with a prank. Hypnotizing their principal (Ed Helms), they make him believe he’s an enthusiastic fool of a superhero named Captain Underpants. And yes, the costume is what you think.
The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
Metacritic: 43%
Rated: PG
Duration: 97m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride
Directed by: Fergal Reilly, Clay Kaytis
Based on the popular smartphone game, The Angry Birds Movie takes audiences on an adventure to an island populated by happy, flightless birds. Temperamental Red (Ted Lasso‘s Jason Sudeikis), speedy Chuck (Josh Gad), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride) have always been outsiders, but they get their chance to be heroes when mysterious green piggies begin showing up on the island.
The Boss Baby (2017)
Metacritic: 50%
Rated: PG
Duration: 97m
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Miles Bakshi
Directed by: Tom McGrath
New babies change the fabric of families, especially when you’re a wildly imaginative 7-year-old like Tim (Miles Bakshi). So, when his family expects to add a new baby into his life, Tim processes this by telling a story of how that baby will impact his and his family’s life. Thus, The Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin), is born. He wears a suit, speaks like a full-grown adult, and is a titan of industry. He also now has an extensive franchise, to which this first film will be a great jumping-off point for the kids! Start streaming on May 22.
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)
Metacritic: 68%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 117m
Genre: Family, Comedy, Fantasy
Stars: Alisha Weir, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham
Directed by: Matthew Warchus
Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book about a little girl with a troubled home life who discovers telekinetic abilities was adapted into an outstanding movie in 1996. Later, it became a musical. Now, the musical becomes a movie directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Alisha Weir in the title role.
Trolls (2016)
Metacritic: 55%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 92m
Genre: Family, Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Music
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel
Directed by: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn
Now its own franchise, the original Trolls introduces audiences to a colorful, wondrous world of friendly, playful trolls. Always optimistic and with a song to sing, things in the Trolls’ world turn dour when a mysterious giant shows up to end the party. Now, the bubbly Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and the dour Branch (Justin Timberlake) must join forces to embark on an adventure far beyond their world to save their home.
The Sea Beast (2022)
Metacritic: 75%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 115m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Stars: Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris
Directed by: Chris Williams
In the animated fantasy The Sea Beast, enormous monsters roam the seas, and monster hunters are the essential humans who keep them at bay so that people can navigate safely. None of these heroes is more beloved than Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), and nobody loves him more than little Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator). But when Maisie stows away on Jacob’s ship, he is less than enthused to have the responsibility of caring for this girl thrust upon him. At least until he discovers that Maisie is a more than capable ally.
Over the Moon (2020)
Metacritic: 60%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 100m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Stars: Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong
Directed by: Glen Keane
In the mood for a musical? Over the Moon is a Netflix animated original film that will get the kids out of their seats and dreaming of soaring into the cosmos. Fei Fei (Kathy Ang) is a bright young girl with boundless determination. So when her community sheds doubt on the existence of the legendary Moon Goddess, Fei Fei gets to work building a rocket ship that can make it to the moon. But her journey takes her somewhere far more fantastical and unexpected.
Finding ?Ohana (2021)
Metacritic: 69%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 123m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars: Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson
Directed by: Jude Weng
When Pili and Ioane Kawena (played by Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono) relocate from New York to Hawaii to help their mother care for their ailing grandfather, the siblings unearth a swashbuckling diary in their Papa’s study. It’s an ancient tome that hints at bountiful treasures hidden away in the caves of ‘Ohana. Banding together with her brother and new friends, Pili uses her natural skills as a champion geocacher to track down the pirate gold while exploring her heritage and the gorgeous landscapes of Hawaii. With a “family first” message nestled firmly at its core, Finding ‘Ohana plays like a brighter and more spirited version of The Goonies, especially with the film’s emphasis on curiosity meets camaraderie.
Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021)
IMDb: 6.7/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 106m
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Family, Action, Adventure
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Lexi Medrano, Charlie Saxton
Directed by: Andrew L. Schmidt, Francisco Ruiz Velasco, Johane Matte
The cinematic conclusion to Guillermo del Toro’s Tales of Arcadia saga, which includes the Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards series, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans takes place in the enchanted town of Arcadia, a haven of magic with many a mystical inhabitant. When the evil Arcane Order awakens the ancient Titans, the heroes of Arcadia must band together to put an end to the wretched reign of their mutual enemy. An action-packed spectacle, Rise of the Titans serves as a fitting end to del Toro’s expansive universe of trolls, extraterrestrials, and powerful wizards. Think of it as the animated little brother to Marvel’s The Avengers, an amalgamation of benevolent world-savers facing off against adversaries, and a battle that necessitates teamwork of fantastical proportions.
Wish Dragon (2021)
Metacritic: 59%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 99m
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy, Fantasy
Stars: Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu
Directed by: Chris Appelhans
A joint collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation and Tencent Pictures, Wish Dragon tells the story of Din (voiced by Jimmy Wong), a working-class student with dreams of reuniting with his friend, Lina (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). In order to achieve this rendezvous, Din calls on the otherworldly talents of wish-granting dragon Long (John Cho). Together, human and mystical reptile must journey across Shanghai to bring the former’s aspirations to fruition. For those of us who have seen either version of Disney’s Aladdin, the premise of Wish Dragon may sound pretty familiar. But don’t let that deter you, for there’s plenty of heart, laughs, and inspired storytelling at play to make Wish Dragon an easy win for kids of all ages.
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rated: G
Duration: 30m
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Justin Fletcher, Kate Harbour
Directed by: Steve Cox
A 30-minute Christmas special starring the world’s favorite sheep, The Flight Before Christmas is a new Shaun the Sheep classic! Shaun loves the holiday season, but his excitement goes sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock accidentally leaves Timmy behind. Now, Shaun must get Timmy back before he becomes somebody else’s present!
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Metacritic: 80%
IMDb: 7.7/10
Duration: 114m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Action
Stars: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph
Directed by: Michael Rianda
Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) is a little different in a family full of people who are a little different. Unfortunately, those differences don’t quite click when it comes to her and her father. So when her dad decides to cancel her plane ticket to film school and instead do a family road trip from Michigan to LA, Katie is less than pleased. But when family bonding time is interrupted by a robotic uprising, the Mitchells must find a way to come together to save themselves and the world from the techpocalypse.
Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)
Metacritic: 63%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Duration: 90m
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars: Paul Reubens, Joe Manganiello, Jessica Pohly
Directed by: John Lee
This Judd Apatow-produced Netflix original introduces Pee-wee Herman to a whole new generation. After a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger (Magic Mike‘s Joe Manganiello), Pee-wee embarks on a journey toward his destiny! It just so happens to coincide with him taking his first-ever holiday. Fans of the classic character will enjoy this revitalization, and it just may inspire the kids to go back and watch some of the Pee-wee classics.
We Can Be Heroes (2020)
Metacritic: 51%
IMDb: 4.7/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 97m
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Family, Comedy
Stars: YaYa Gosselin, Lyon Daniels, Andy Walken
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Okay, now that you know who Sharkboy and Lavagirl are, your family can enjoy Robert Rodriguez’s wacky reboot of his tween superhero franchises — We Can Be Heroes. When alien invaders kidnap Earth’s (now grown-up) superheroes, their children must team up to save the world. If it sounds exactly like Spy Kids, well, that’s because it is basically the same plot. But it’s nonetheless a good-humored adventure driven by some game performances from the adults involved.
Next Gen (2018)
IMDb: 6.6/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 105m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Family
Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Michael Pe?a, David Cross
Directed by: Joe Ksander, Kevin R. Adams
In a near, somewhat-fictional future, a rebellious girl named Mai is all that stands between a madman and his technological plan to conquer the world. Oh, and there’s a runaway combat robot who becomes her trusty sidekick. Some of Next Gen‘s surprisingly-provocative message will go over kids’ heads, but its good humor and action-packed fun will more than suffice.
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)
IMDb: 6.3/10
Rated: TV-Y7
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Family
Cast: Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, Mayumi Iizuka
Deep in an undisclosed location, scientists successfully create the most powerful Pokémon in existence, Mewtwo. Realizing he’s being used as the ultimate weapon, Mewtwo breaks free of the lab and wishes to fight the best Pokémon trainers in the world to get back at the humans who wronged him. Ash, Brock, and Misty continue their quest to become the ultimate Pokémon masters when they receive a mysterious invitation to an unknown island. The island invitation is a trap by Mewtwo, creating the setup of the ultimate showdown between Ash and Mewtwo. With Pikachu at his side, Ash uses the power of friendship in the battle for his life. Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is an updated remake of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, originally released in 1998.
Dancing with the Birds (2019)
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 51m
Genre: Documentary
Stars: Stephen Fry
Directed by: Huw Cordey
From the team that brought viewers the groundbreaking series Our Planet comes a fun, feathery feature documentary that is vibrant, colorful, and cheerful. Narrated by legendary actor Stephen Fry, Dancing with the Birds is a wonderful voyage into the world of exotic birds. Each moment feels like a small story, filled with humor and excitement that the whole family will enjoy. Dancing with the Birds sends audiences on a journey around the world to some of the most exotic places. While short, it’s incredibly colorful and diverse. This documentary film is perfect for young audiences looking for a fascinating and refreshingly enjoyable view into the world of exotic wildlife.
Minecraft: Story Mode (2018)
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 2
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Cast: Catherine Keener, Elizabeth Olsen, Nat Wolff
Minecraft is one of the most popular video game properties in recent memory, encouraging players to build, explore, and learn. From teamwork to resource management and even coding, Minecraft has been a great learning utility. Minecraft: Story Mode takes the whimsical computer world of Minecraft and translates it into a miraculous adventure into the world of Minecraft. Originally released on video game platforms in 2015, Minecraft: Story Mode is a Netflix Interactive movie, where the viewer can decide what happens next. Using the remote control, viewers can shape choices and be a part of the action. Minecraft: Story Mode follows Jesse (Patton Oswalt or Catherine Taber), Axel (Brian Posehn), and Olivia celebrating their craftsmanship skills at EnderCon, when suddenly the entire world of Minecraft is threatened by a powerful evil. The trio is destined to save the universe and must trek across unknown lands to save all of Minecraft. This unique story and interactive adventure will keep families, especially young gamers, entertained.
Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal (2020)
IMDb: 7.0/10
Rated: TV-Y7
Genre: Animation
Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Finn Wolfhard, Abby Trott
Carmen SanDiego (Gina Rodriguez) finds herself back in the evil organization, V.I.L.E., and must pull off an impossible heist for them, as V.I.L.E. has captured her friends and put them in danger. This interactive movie is similar to Minecraft in that it allows viewers to choose how the adventure will play out. Viewers will have the ability to choose how the heist will occur and shape their own story. Featuring sharp animation and voice talent, Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal is a great way to introduce young audiences to the world of Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego.
Klaus (2019)
IMDb: 8.2/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 96m
Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy
Stars: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
Directed by: Sergio Pablos
It’s easy to lose the spirit of the holidays, and when a small town falls into hopelessness, an unlikely bond will be formed. Jesper Johannson (Jason Schwartzman) is a postman banished to the small island town of Smeerensburg at the behest of his father. Tasked with delivering 6,000 letters in a year, he feverishly attempts to fulfill such an audacious goal, until one fateful delivery puts him in touch with a woodsman, named Klaus (JK Simmons). While initially an unlikely friendship, the two look to each other as they work to bring the spirit and hopes of Christmas to the people of Smeerensburg. Klaus is an Academy Award-nominated animated film, with breathtaking visuals and top-notch voice performances. Klaus was lauded by viewers for its extraordinary animation and heartfelt story, making it perfect for any time of the year.
White Fang (2018)
Metacritic: 61%
IMDb: 7.0/10
Rated: TV-PG
Genre: Animation, Family
Cast: Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, Paul Giamatti
You never know where life will take you, and in White Fang, a small wolf-dog is about to embark on a journey of a lifetime — through the wilderness of North America, encountering new friends and great danger. White Fang is based on the novel of the same name by Jack London. Unlike other novels, White Fang told the story from the viewpoint of the wolf-dog, creating a fascinating way in which animals view the world around them. Director Alexandre Espigares, who won an Academy Award for the animated short film Mr. Hublot, adapts the story through a wondrous splash of smooth animation and shading that evokes watercolors. White Fang is a heartwarming tale of adventure, heroism, and the people that you meet along the way.
John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)
Metacritic: 87%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 70m
Genre: Comedy, Family, Music
Stars: John Mulaney, Jake Gyllenhaal, Annaleigh Ashford
Directed by: Rhys Thomas
Inspired by the classic Sesame Street, John Mulaney returns to Netflix with a new special, but this isn’t a standup routine aimed at adults — it’s a children’s musical comedy special. Alongside Mulaney are 15 child actors who dance about and sing to a collection of variety specials. In between songs and skits, Mulaney talks with the bunch. The variety-musical comedy special also features adult guest stars, including Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Music. A different avenue for John Mulaney, the Sack Lunch Bunch special is a fun film to watch with the entire family.
The Willoughbys (2020)
Metacritic: 68%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Rated: PG
Duration: 92m
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara
Directed by: Kris Pearn
This 2020 Netflix Original introduces us to the Willoughby children, who are convinced they’d be better off raising themselves than they are under the care of their parents. As such, they hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation while they embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family. As you might expect, everything they think they know isn’t exactly spot on.
